Alpha Asher By Jane Doe

Chapter 124 – “You’re absolutely positive?” I asked both dad and grandma, who were locked in a staring match that was now going on two minutes.

“She never brought Lola to your cottage?”‘ Dad’s lips fell, and everything inside of me regretted bringing this up.

“No, not once.” Grandma replied. She and mom had never gotten along, and it was mom’s refusal to let us see her that drove a wedge in between her and I. Dating Tyler only wedged that chasm open even more.

“How old was I when she took me? When she came back, did she act any different? Did I act any different?”

“Your mom seemed happy… a lot more relaxed than when she left with you. We talked things out about Sean, and even asked him what he wanted us to do.” It took him a minute to think. By the time he spoke, I was so lost in thought I had nearly missed the sound of his voice. It had faded into the background along with the rundown of tonight’s football game told by the announcers. “Also, I’d say you were about nine or ten. I remember you were sleeping when she brought you home. Slept all night and all day too. She said you were tired from playing and staying up late, but I guess that wasn’t the case.”

“Nine or ten? If I was that old, how come I have no memory of it? I don’t even remember her and I going on a trip like that.”

“If she knew a witch that could preform a binding spell, isn’t it possible they also altered your memory?”‘ Grandma suggested, her voice kind even though there was no gentle way to say it.

Another problem that needed solving, only this solution required me uncovering memories that could’ve been scrubbed from my head by the same magic that put my powers in a choke hold.

“I’ll talk to Rowena and Cordelia about it tomorrow. I’m still training with them, even though I can’t actually use my magic.”

As Asher drove the two of us home, I wracked my memories for anything that seemed out of place. Even though I had come up short a dozen times, it kept me distracted from the pangs of guilt in my chest. I’m sure none of us were going to get a good night’s sleep, least of all dad.

never once thought to tell me about any of this.” I scoffed, “Does it make me a bad person to

and

never usually had a tough time talking about my emotions, but my mom was a sore subject. I missed her desperately, but I was also so furious I could spit fire. What I needed was one of our old screaming matches, where I’d shout from down the

and me. Countless trips to the aquarium and zoo, where at the end of the day my cheeks would ache from laughing so much. Sleepovers where she’d drag out her makeup bag and show me all the

be. Listening to the steady thud of his heart against his ribcage, I opened myself up to what he was saying and felt some of that rage subside. “To play devils advocate, have you ever thought

into his chest and smiled softly when he shuddered from the feel of my

“it’s been twenty-four hours since

that’s a

was another version of my life where mom hadn’t been k****d in battle. Would it have changed anything?

in my chest. Like a second heartbeat knocking against my ribcage, it thudded relentlessly until I

and sent goosebumps raising along my skin. Half-awake and longing to slip back into that peaceful deep sleep where dreams are no where in sight, I stumbled over to the middle window along the bedroom wall. All three were

was painted in shades of dark blue and purple, hinting at the rising sun which would make its appearance in just a few short hours. I could see the outline of the forest that

one another. I rolled my eyes and closed the curtain, nearly tripping over the bench at the end of the bed as I searched for

your vampire side.” Tristan shook his head disapprovingly, “What kind of Vampire Queen goes to bed

her plate.” I said dryly, briefly glancing at the writhing shadows along the forest line, making sure they kept their distance. “You might be fond of these late -night chats, but this is

if you need it, and it’s more early morning than late night.” He replied, ” Urgent? No, not yet. Giovanni left a few hours ago to meet up with his contacts, the ones that might have some texts on magic. Also,